By design
The lottery didn't actually collect $1.8 billion.
They collect less than that.
However, if you take the payments spread out over the 20 years the interest accrued will pay out $1.8 billion to you.
If you want it now, you'll take the lesser amount.
This is obviously the cliff notes version of how it works.
They didn't want to stop them.
Word!
>Release all of their names, embarrass them
If you release all of the files first, then follow up with the names, your credibility remains intact.
If memory serves, that cash payout also includes having already paid the tax bill on that as well. And that number is quite high.